In a new call for research, Darpa is asking for proposals to devise prototype implantable biosensors.
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Rutgers' Huang, too, has been working on developing nano-biosensors that can detect the slightest trace of pathogens in a food supply.
It's using bacteria-hating (and thankfully harmless) viruses as biosensors to quickly identify superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can sometimes prove fatal.
But Biosensors could also be used for testing water quality and food safety (the toxins produced by food-spoiling bacteria would show up easily).
In 1998, however, it occurred to David Baselt of the United States' Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, that spin valves might also make excellent biosensors.
That improved processing means that it can potentially be used to improve current biosensors and make it easier for doctors to monitor the health of their patients.
Mr Kraus thinks their technique could be used to print biosensitive nanoparticles (which are often produced as liquids) onto solid surfaces to make biosensors for use in medical tests.
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Biosensors that can be worn on clothing or jewelry, held against the skin by a Band-Aid-like patch, or inserted beneath the skin are now capable of monitoring a host of chronic diseases.
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Apart from potential computing applications, plasmonics can be used as biosensors, making it possible to more easily determine what your body is doing, and potentially make it easier for doctors to diagnose disease.
"It gives you the ability to print very fine metal patterns that could be used in biosensors or security features where you need to print a pattern and pass an electrical current through it, " said Mr Bishop.
The other benefit of using the microchip is that it can be equipped with biosensors, which means that a doctor can monitor how effectively the drug is treating the disease, and remotely program the device according to adjust to changing circumstances.
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